It's a new year — time for a fresh start. Welcome to our 15-day series on how to fall (back) in love with your blog. The series is all about stepping back, re-evaluating things and making sure you're still connecting with your blog. Here's what you won't find in this series: articles on analytics, plug-ins, sponsored content, ad networks and the like. What you will find is tips and strategies to stay inspired, motivated and pushing your own boundaries, all while loving what you do.
We've talked a lot about getting inspired and figuring out how to act on our creativity in this series. And part of that conversation has been about trying new things.
When you're in a blogging rut it can be frustrating and creating content can feel like a big chore. And the worst part is, because we're frustrated and feeling blah, we churn out what we know. Because we're comfortable with it and we know we can get it done quickly and have it look decent without a lot of effort. We take the challenge out of it.
And for that reason, it becomes a vicious circle: bored > rut > one more casserole recipe > photo from same location and angle as always > promote to the same places (Pinterest, FB, IG, blogger shares and linkups) > repeat.
So it's time to shake it up a bit.
Try One New Thing
Don't make the mistake of trying 15 different new things at once. That will be a disaster and will probably make you even more miserable.
Accept that trying new things is going to increase how long it takes you to get things done, for a little while. Once you master something new or get a system down for it, your workflow will become efficient once again.
And that's another reason why doing only one new thing at a time is a good idea. Try it. See if you actually like it. If you don't, drop it but remember: the first time you do something new it probably won't be perfect, and if you're a perfectionist that can be rough. Give yourself permission to post something that's not perfect and give yourself time to practice it and master it.
New Things Do Not Have To Equal Big Change!
You don't need to do a massive blog redesign. Or write an e-book. Start small. Some small new things you can try are:
- Photographing from a new location or a different angle.
- Picking out one new ingredient at the grocery store that you've never tried before and experimenting with it.
- Creating a new logo.
- Writing about something food related that's out of your usual scope, like wine, or BBQing, or French pastry, or some culinary travel.
- Try writing a food tutorial or tips post.
- Create a small video.
- Explore a new social channel or experiment with live broadcasting on Facebook or Instagram.
- Plan and host a small meet up for other bloggers in your town.
- Visit a market and talk to a producer; write about it.
- Try doing a photo essay post about food instead of a recipe post.
- Create a downloadable printable for your readers — a recipe card they can put on their fridge with a cute graphic or meal plan shopping list.
- Ask a small group of loyal readers if they want to help you test a new recipe you want to perfect; make it a whole series on your blog so your audience gets into it.
- Try growing some ingredients, even if it's just herbs in your kitchen. Write about the process.
- Try working your way through a cookbook that challenges you (maybe one for a cuisine you love to eat in restaurants but have been too nervous to try at home).
- Write reviews of products you love and use (these don't have to be sponsored).
- Share a list of your all-time favourite cookbooks, kitchen utensils, ingredients etc.
These are just a handful of ideas to get you started, but you're only limited by your imagination!
It Doesn't Have To Be Food Related
Trying something new does not have to restricted to only food-related things. Step outside of your comfort zone and try something in another realm. You might find some very unexpected food inspiration comes out of it. And remember, write those new ideas in your handy inspiration/idea notebook!
More Reading
15 days to fall (back) in love with your blog!
- Day 1 — Getting Started
- Day 2 — Stop Comparing
- Day 3 — Working Through Fear
- Day 4 — Managing Disappointment and Criticism
- Day 5 — Dealing with Blogger Stressors
- Day 6 —Don’t Be Afraid of Change or Personal Growth
- Day 7 — Finding Time
- Day 8 — Find a New Workspace
- Day 9 — Talking With Your Audience
- Day 10 - Finding Inspiration
- Day 11 - Exploring Creativity
- Day 12 - Storytelling
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Thank you for the great tips. I definitely need to and will tackle some of them.